New Windows 10 Search Issue May Just Require A Reboot - Olmec Skip to main content

New Windows 10 Search Issue May Just Require A Reboot

By February 19, 2020May 9th, 2022Technology News

On February 5th, after the latest Windows 10 update, many users found that they were unable to make use of the search function built into the operating system. The most common result was a blank black or gray box when a search is executed.

While no one at Microsoft has stated definitively what the core issue is with search, there are a couple of significant changes in the works that could simply be interacting badly with each other.

First, Microsoft has stated that they’re changing the way search functions in the OS. They want to display it more prominently and make it an integral part of the user experience. They also want search to be more unified, combining web and PC-based results more seamlessly. They want to have the entire search process be more personalized to the individual user.

On top of that, the company has recently retired their legacy Edge browser, which was a reincarnation of their legacy Internet Explorer browser. In its place is a new version of Edge built on Chromium technology, from Google. The switch from one to the other hasn’t gone well inside the Windows 10 ecosystem, and may be complicating the issue with the Windows 10 search feature.

Whatever the ultimate cause, the company has been casting for a viable workaround. Recent callers to the Microsoft help desk have been given the tried and true suggestion to simply reboot any PC that search isn’t working on. Oddly enough, that seems to be working in a few cases. It’s hit or miss, and it may not solve the issue for you, but it’s certainly worth a try.

There is still no firm ETA from Microsoft about when a permanent fix for the issue can be expected. So there’s little to lose and potentially a lot to be gained by trying the reboot workaround.

Chris Forte

Chris Forte, President and CEO of Olmec Systems, has been in the MSP workspace for the past 25 years. Chris earned his Master’s Degree from West Virginia University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He was a past member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a current member of the New Jersey Power Partners and Executive Association of New Jersey, where he has previously served on its board of directors. In his spare time, Chris enjoys traveling with his family. He also admits to being a struggling golfer and avid watcher of college football and basketball. He currently lives in Boonton Township, NJ with his wife, two daughters, son, and black lab Luna.